In celebration of the upcoming Resurrection Sunday, this month’s blog will be a lesson on the latest German word to make its way into the American lexicon.

Let’s say it together: Schadenfreude.

Don’t forget to enunciate! A little slower this time: Shaa-duhn-froy-duh.

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary the word is defined as “enjoyment obtained from the trouble of others.”

In other words, delighting in another’s misfortune simply because you think they deserve it.

Those who seek a biblical perspective of Schadenfreude can look at Proverbs 24:17-18, a verse which warns against taking pleasure in the downfall of an enemy. It states that such actions will displease G-D, who may then turn away His anger from the person who was the target of the enemy’s misfortune.

In fact, the entire chapter of 24, points to seeking G-D’s will rather than being overly worried about the schemes of evil people and is chock-full of wisdom geared to keep the focus on G-D for knowledge and understanding. If truth be told, we’ve all escaped the wrath of something or another when we could have been punished for it.

And we were grateful.

The next time we are tempted to feel excitement over others misfortune, think about the cross.. and the resurrected hope.

Because where there’s hope.. there’s a way.